As demand for tumblers remains strong year after year, crafters and small business owners need to use the best sublimation tumblers for heat transfers.
Using low-quality tumblers or those unsuitable for sublimation will result in failed transfers, poor design results, and wasted materials, negatively impacting the overall quality of your custom products. It's critical to use high-quality blanks to achieve eye-catching results that set your offerings apart from competitors.
When purchasing 40-oz tumblers for sublimation, quality is arguably even more important. At this larger size, the custom designs are often bigger and more apparent. High-quality sublimation blanks help ensure that you get clear, crisp lines and the most vibrant results possible.
In this guide, we’ll unpack what you need in a 40-oz tumbler in 2026 to get the best sublimation results, and we’ll give our pick for the best 40-oz tumbler based on affordability, quality, and ease of crafting.
Can I Sublimate on Any 40-oz Stainless Steel Tumbler?
No, you cannot sublimate on just any stainless steel tumbler. This is a common misunderstanding among new crafters and even businesses getting started with sublimation offerings. Stainless steel alone does not work with sublimation ink.
To achieve quality sublimation results, the tumbler must have a sublimatable polymer coating that allows the ink to bond permanently to the surface. A regular stainless steel tumbler without this polyester-based coating will not accept the transfer. The ink will be faded, and it won't last, as the polyester is necessary to bind the sublimation ink to the cup's surface.
Some sellers assume that any 40-oz stainless steel tumbler is suitable for sublimation because they often look practically identical to sublimation tumblers. In reality, appearance is not a reliable indicator. Two tumblers can look the same, while only one is properly coated for sublimation.
Understanding this distinction will help you avoid buying the incorrect type of 40-oz tumbler. Always double-check that the tumbler is labeled for sublimation.
If you are new to sublimation or want a deeper breakdown of the process, you can learn more by visiting our beginner’s guide, "How To Do Sublimation Printing.” This resource explains the materials, coatings, and equipment required for consistent results.
What Kind of 40oz Tumbler Do I Need to Get the Best ![]()
Sublimation Results?
Even among sublimation-ready products, coating quality can vary. Inconsistent or low-quality coatings can lead to faded colors, patchy areas, or incomplete wraps. These problems can be even more noticeable on larger items, like 40oz tumblers, where crafters often apply full-surface designs.
To achieve consistent sublimation results, the most important factors for 40oz tumblers are the quality of their polymer coatings and constructions. A high-quality, consistent polyester-based coating is an absolute must. For the best results, the coating should also cover the entire printable area of the tumbler.
Reputable sublimation suppliers use high-quality coatings and materials that are tested for durability and long-lasting results, ensuring the blank cups meet professional standards. For that reason, it's important to choose a 40-oz sublimation tumbler with excellent reviews from a trusted name in the sublimation industry.
Material quality also plays a major role in achieving optimal sublimation results. In this vein, 304 stainless steel is considered the gold standard for sublimation crafting. It is food-grade, corrosion-resistant, and durable enough to withstand repeated heat exposure without warping. These qualities make it a reliable choice for both everyday use and long-term customization.
In summary, to achieve the best sublimation results, you need a 40-oz tumbler made from 304-grade stainless steel with a high-quality sublimatable coating. Starting with these two fundamentals gives crafters and small businesses a strong foundation for producing professional sublimated drinkware.
Check That the 40-oz Tumbler Is BPA-Free
Another critical element when comparing 40-oz sublimation tumblers is finding ones that are guaranteed BPA-free.
While stainless steel itself is naturally BPA-free, large-capacity tumblers often come with lids, straws, or other components made from plastic. Some of these plastics may contain BPA, a chemical that can leach into drinks and pose health risks.
When choosing a tumbler for personal use or resale, look for a clear BPA-free label on the product. This ensures that every component that comes into contact with beverages is safe and non-toxic.
Selecting a BPA-free 40-oz stainless steel tumbler protects both your customers and your reputation as a crafter or small business owner. Always verify that every part of the tumbler meets BPA-free standards before customizing or selling.
Why You Need 40-oz Tumblers with Removable Handles
Handles make 40-oz tumblers easier to carry, especially when full, making them essential features to offer your customers. Tumblers with handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, enhancing ergonomic designs and making them more practical for day-to-day use.
While handles are important, it's best to select tumblers with removable handles. Built-in handles can create challenges during sublimation, as a handle may block heat or prevent even pressure, resulting in faded areas or incomplete transfers.
Fortunately, there are plenty of tumblers with removable handles available on the market, including 40-oz options. Removable handles allow the tumbler's entire surface to sit flat in a large-capacity heat press or sublimation oven. This ensures consistent contact, even heat distribution, and cleaner transfers across the full wrap area.
A detachable handle also adds versatility for your customers. They can remove the handles from their 40-oz tumblers to fit them in cup holders or storage spaces. Some tumblers include easy-to-reinstall handles, giving customers the option to attach or detach them with little hassle.
When shopping for 40-oz tumblers, choosing models with removable handles balances functionality and sublimation efficiency. It allows crafters to produce high-quality results without sacrificing customer usability.
The Importance of Tumblers 40-oz in Bulk Options
When selecting the best 40-oz tumbler, it’s helpful for crafters and small business owners to find one that’s also available for wholesale. Purchasing multiple units at once reduces the cost per unit, making it easier to maintain healthy margins on each finished tumbler.
Buying tumblers in bulk also ensures you have a consistent supply of customizable cups on hand. This is especially important for crafters who produce custom drinkware for events, online orders, or seasonal promotions. Having stock readily available helps you meet demand without delays.
Wholesale tumbler suppliers can provide better pricing options for crafters, so you can invest in cases of 40-oz sublimation tumblers. This can lower your production costs while still providing high-quality, custom drinkware to your customers. Plus, buying in bulk can reduce shipping costs and enable you to plan larger projects more efficiently.
Using this practical buying strategy can empower you to scale your custom drinkware business, while also getting the best 40-oz tumblers for sublimation on the market.
Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation for the Best Heat and Cold Retention
These days, everyone expects 40-oz tumblers to feature high-quality insulation. Drinks should stay hot or cold for hours, and inadequate insulation can lead to dissatisfaction and complaints.
In order to provide optimal insulation, look for 40-oz tumblers with double-wall vacuum insulation. These insulated tumblers use two layers of stainless steel separated by a vacuum, which minimizes heat transfer and keeps beverages at the proper temperature for longer.
These tumblers are specifically engineered to keep your drinks cold or hot for hours, and they can help with ice retention. With double-wall vacuum insulation, your customers' ice will stay solid for hours, preventing dilution. High-quality insulated tumblers also prevent condensation, keeping the outside of the cup dry.
The Best 40-oz Tumbler for Sublimation: The Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler
The 40-oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler is our #1 choice for crafters, small business owners, and drinkware enthusiasts. Its durability, style, and sublimation-ready surface make it ideal for both professional sublimation and everyday use.
The tumbler is made of premium 304-grade stainless steel and features a durable, consistent coating that's perfect for sublimation. This ensures that sublimation ink bonds evenly across the entire surface, producing bright, vibrant colors and reducing the risk of faded or uneven transfers.
In addition to its quality, the 40-oz tumbler features a large handle that you or your customers can remove easily. You can detach the handle during sublimation to ensure the surface makes full contact with the heat source. This feature makes the tumbler practical for customers while keeping customization easy.
Its shape and additional features are also ideal for customers, and it fits most car cup holders. Key features include its ClearScrew lid with a matching silicone stopper, providing a secure, leak-proof design. It also features a stainless steel straw and a matching silicone tip that are designed for comfortable, smooth sipping. These and the tumbler's other parts are 100% BPA-free.
The 40-oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler is available for individual purchase as well as in bulk. You can order single cases of 24 units or double cases of 48 units, making it easy to stock up for larger projects while saving money. You can save even more by buying in bulk from The Stainless Depot Company, as we offer free shipping on orders over $99.
Interested in learning more about this affordable, high-quality tumbler? We encourage you to check out our numerous customer reviews. The 40-oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on nearly 1,000 reviews.
This combination of high-quality 304 stainless steel, reliable polyester coatings, removable handles, bulk purchasing options, and glowing reviews makes the 40-oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler a highly dependable choice for professional crafters and small businesses producing custom drinkware.
Best 40-oz Tumbler FAQs
Are Cheap Sublimation Tumbler Blanks Okay?
Cheap sublimation tumbler blanks and similar products may seem like a cost-saving option, but they often compromise on coating quality and insulation. Inconsistent or poorly applied polyester coatings can lead to faded transfers, patchy colors, and wasted ink. In the long run, the wasted materials and poor-quality results will likely cost more than buying from a reliable brand, such as The Stainless Depot Company.
How to Sublimate a 40-Oz Tumbler?
Sublimating a 40-oz tumbler requires the right equipment and careful preparation. Because of their large size, 40-oz tumblers do not fit standard heat presses. For that reason, many crafters use sublimation ovens with shrink-wrap sleeves to apply even heat and pressure around the tumbler. Using a properly coated 40-oz stainless steel tumbler and following the recommended time and temperature settings are essential for achieving eye-catching full-wrap transfers.
Can I Sublimate a Tumbler with a Handle?
Yes, but removable handles are much easier to work with than built-in ones. Built-in handles may block heat or create uneven pressure, resulting in faded or distorted areas. Using a 40-oz tumbler with a removable handle ensures the entire surface is accessible for clean, even transfers.
What Size Straw Do I Need for a 40-oz Tumbler?
For a 40-oz tumbler, you will need a longer straw compared to standard 20-oz tumblers. Most 40-oz tumblers require straws that are at least 10 to 12 inches long to reach the bottom of the cup. Using the correct straw length ensures that drinks are easy to sip and that the tumbler remains convenient for everyday use.
Which Tumbler Keeps Ice the Longest?
Tumblers with double-wall vacuum insulation can keep ice cold for several hours, even on hot days. The Stainless Depot Company, as well as other brands like Yeti and Stanley, use this design to maintain low temperatures and reduce condensation. The ice retention of these tumblers has been tested, showing that they can keep drinks cold for many hours, making them great for hydration.
Get the Best 40-Oz Sublimation Tumblers at The Stainless Depot Company
The Stainless Depot Company offers high-quality sublimation tumblers designed for reliable, professional results, including our best-selling 40-oz Sublimatable Traveler Tumbler. Each tumbler features a consistent polyester coating, durable 304 stainless steel construction, and removable handles for easy sublimation and everyday use.
In addition to featuring some of the best stainless steel tumblers on the market, The Stainless Depot Company carries a wide variety of other sublimation blanks and crafting supplies. We feature heat presses, sublimation printers, sublimation accessories, and other tools to help you create stunning custom drinkware. You can also hone your crafting skills by reading our guides on sublimation, including our step-by-step guide for sublimating tumblers.
By choosing The Stainless Depot Company, you can trust that your sublimation projects start with reliable, high-quality materials. Explore the full range of products to create professional, vibrant designs and make your crafting process more efficient and profitable.
